Image pickup apparatus, metod for using the apparatus, and control program thereof

ABSTRACT

When a key for directly transferring from the screen of a “video mode” of tape reproduction to the screen of memory stick reproduction is separately arranged, the ratio of an occupation area of the key on the screen is increased. Therefore, a setting operation is performed such that a stop key ( 11   a ) is displayed when the “video mode” is set and no memory stick is mounted as shown in FIG. 1A, and when the tape is being reproduced as shown in FIG. 1C. In contrast to this, the setting operation is also performed such that a switching key ( 11   f ) for transferring to the reproducing screen of the memory stick of FIG. 1D is displayed when the “video mode” is set and no tape is being reproduced and the memory stick is mounted as shown in FIG. 1B.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an image pickup device, itsusing method and its control program able to directly transfer from avideo mode to a memory reproducing screen.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] A camera integral type VTR, etc. for recording a photographedimage to plural recording media by a different recording system arerecently manufactured as products of image pickup devices for recordingand reproducing the photographed image. In such image pickup devices,there is a device in which a different recording mode is prepared everyrecording medium, and a mode change-over switch is arranged so as toselect the recording mode by a user. For example, in the image pickupdevice for making the record to a tape and a memory card as therecording medium, a “video mode” for making the record to the tape and a“memory mode” for making the record to the memory card are prepared.These two modes are switched by the mode change-over switch.

[0005] However, when the “video mode” is selected by the user in theimage pickup device for preparing the modes every recording medium insuch a way, no recording and reproducing operations with respect to thememory card can be easily performed while the “video mode” is selected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide animage pickup device, its using method and its control program able toeasily perform the recording and reproducing operations with respect toplural recording media so as to solve such problems.

[0007] To achieve such an object, claim 1 resides in an image pickupdevice characterized in that a first icon for reproducing a secondrecording medium is displayed in a condition in which no first recordingmedium is being reproduced and the second recording medium is mounted ina reproducing mode of the first recording medium.

[0008] In such an image pickup device, the second recording medium canbe easily reproduced. In the conventional image pickup device, forexample, when the reproducing screen in the “memory mode” is displayed,this reproducing screen must be displayed via a through screen (orpicture) and electric power consumption is large on the through screen.However, the electric power consumption is reduced in the presentinvention since it can directly transfer from the “video mode” to the“reproducing screen of the memory stick”.

[0009] In the image pickup device of claim 1, the construction of claim2 is characterized in that the first icon is displayed by replacing oneof icons displayed in the reproducing mode of the first recordingmedium.

[0010] In such an image pickup device, it is not necessary to separatelyadd the first icon onto the determined screen, and no occupation area ofa key on the screen is increased.

[0011] In the image pickup device of claim 2, the construction of claim3 is characterized in that a second icon for returning to thereproducing mode of the first recording medium is displayed on areproducing screen of the second recording medium displayed by operatingthe first icon.

[0012] In such an image pickup device, it is easy to return from thereproducing screen of the second recording medium to the reproducingmode of the first recording medium.

[0013] Next, claim 4 resides in a using method of an image pickup devicecharacterized in that the reproducing screen of a second recordingmedium is displayed by operating a first icon for reproducing the secondrecording medium in a condition in which the second recording medium ismounted when no first recording medium is being reproduced in areproducing mode of the first recording medium.

[0014] When the using method of such an image pickup device is used, itis possible to directly transfer from the reproducing mode of the firstrecording medium to the reproducing screen of the second recordingmedium.

[0015] In the using method of the image pickup device according to claim4, the construction of claim 5 is characterized in that it is returnedfrom the reproducing screen of the second recording medium to thereproducing mode of the first recording medium by operating a secondicon of the reproducing screen of the second recording medium.

[0016] When the using method of such an image pickup device is used, itis also easy to return from the reproducing screen of the secondrecording medium to the reproducing mode of the first recording medium.

[0017] Next, the construction of a control program of an image pickupdevice according to claim 6 is characterized in that the control programcomprises a step for judging whether or not no first recording medium isbeing reproduced and a second recording medium is mounted, a step fordisplaying a switching key for reproducing the second recording mediumwhen no first recording medium is being reproduced and the secondrecording medium is mounted, and a step for displaying a stop key forstopping the reproduction of the first recording medium when the firstrecording medium is being reproduced or no second recording medium ismounted.

[0018] When the control program of such an image pickup device is used,it transfers to the step for displaying the switching key forreproducing the second recording medium only when no first recordingmedium is being reproduced and the second recording medium is mounted.In the other cases, it transfers to the step for displaying the stop keyfor stopping the reproduction of the first recording medium.

[0019] In the control program of the image pickup device according toclaim 6, the construction of claim 7 is characterized in that a step fordisplaying a switching key for returning to a reproducing mode of thefirst recording medium during the reproduction of the second recordingmedium is arranged.

[0020] When the control program of such an image pickup device is used,it is also easy to return from the reproducing screen of the secondrecording medium to the reproducing mode of the first recording mediumsince the step for displaying the switching key for returning to thereproducing mode of the first recording medium during the reproductionof the second recording medium is arranged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 relates to a best mode of an image pickup device in thepresent invention. FIG. 1A in FIG. 1 is a reproducing screen view at anon-reproducing time in a “video mode” having no memory stick. FIG. 1Bis a reproducing screen view at the non-reproducing time in the “videomode” having the memory stick. FIG. 1C is a reproducing screen viewduring the reproduction in the “video mode”. FIG. 1D is a reproducingscreen view of the memory stick.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera integral type VTR as oneembodiment of the image pickup device.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a through screen view when the camera integral type VTRis set to a camera mode.

[0024]FIG. 4 relates to a case in which the camera integral type VTR isset to a “memory mode”. FIG. 4A in FIG. 4 is a through screen view. FIG.4B is a reproducing screen view.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a best mode of the image pickupdevice in the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a main portion of the best mode ofa control program of the image pickup device in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The best modes of an image pickup device in the present inventionwill next be explained.

[0028]FIG. 2 shows the construction of a camera integral type VTR. Alens portion 2 is arranged on the side of a main body 1 opposed to aphotographed body. When an image is recorded, the photographed body canbe recorded while an electronic view finder 3 or a liquid crystalmonitor 4 is seen. A mode change-over switch 9 is arranged so that fourpositions of “OFF”, “camera mode”, “video mode” and “memory mode” can beselected. A picture recording button 10 for recording a dynamic image toan unillustrated tape (first recording medium) or a memory stick (secondrecording medium) 7, and a photo button 27 for recording a static imageare arranged. A microphone 5 for recording a voice is also arranged.

[0029] A cassette tape can be attached and detached by opening a coverbody 6 able to be opened and closed. The memory stick 7 is detachablyinserted and mounted to a medium insertion port 8. In FIG. 2, referencenumerals 14 and 28 respectively designate an audio terminal and abattery of a charge type.

[0030] When the mode change-over switch 9 of FIG. 2 is set to the “videomode”, a reproducing screen of the tape of FIG. 1A is displayed in theliquid crystal monitor 4. Similar to the conventional case, the tape canbe reproduced on the reproducing screen of FIG. 1A by contact with areproducing key 11 c. In addition to this, the memory stick 7 can bereproduced in the present invention under a constant necessary conditionwhen the “video mode” is set. Namely, as shown in FIG. 1B, a switchingkey (first icon) 11 f able to directly transfer to a static imagereproducing screen of the memory stick of FIG. 1D is displayed insteadof a stop key (11 a) of FIG. 1A only when no tape is being reproducedand the memory stick 7 is inserted into the medium insertion port 8. Oneof the tape and the memory stick can be selected and reproduced on thescreen of FIG. 1B in the “video mode”.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1A, for example, the icon of the stop key (11 a)is a square mark, and is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 4 suchthat a user can know that this icon is a key for stopping the tape. Incontrast to this, as shown in FIG. 1B, for example, the switching key 11f for reproducing the memory stick is a mark in which the character of“reproduction” and a triangular figure are drawn within a rectangularfigure (similar to the outer shape of the memory stick itself) having anotched corner portion. The switching key 11 f is displayed such thatthe user can easily distinguish this switching key 11 f from thereproducing key 11 c for reproducing the tape.

[0032] The above contents will next be described in detail. In the“video mode”, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the original stop key existingat the left-hand end is changed in accordance with the screen. Namely,the stop key is changed as follows. As shown in FIG. 1C, since it isnecessary to stop the reproduction of the tape during the reproductionof the tape, the original stop key (11 a) is displayed. When the usercomes in contact with this stop key (11 a), the screen of a stoppingstate of the reproduction of the tape is attained as shown in FIG. 1A.In the case of FIG. 1A in which no memory stick 7 is mounted on thescreens of FIGS. 1A and 1B for reproducing no tape, no memory stick 7can be reproduced so that the stop key (11 a) is displayed. In contrastto this, in the case of FIG. 1B in which the memory stick 7 is mounted,the switching key (11 f) for switching to the reproducing screen of thememory stick of FIG. 1D is displayed.

[0033] When the user comes in contact with the switching key (11 f) onthe reproducing screen of the tape of FIG. 1B, it directly transfers tothe reproducing screen of the memory stick 7 shown in FIG. 1D. Similarto the conventional case, a static image can be then sequentiallyreproduced. A switching key (second icon) (12 f) for returning to thereproducing screen of the tape of the FIG. 1B is arranged on thereproducing screen of the memory stick of FIG. 1D.

[0034]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a camera integral type VTR. In FIG.5, reference numerals 15, 16 and 17 respectively designate an imagepickup element for converting light to an electric signal, a videocamera signal processing circuit for processing an image converted tothe electric signal, and a record-reproduction processing circuit of thetape distributed to record or reproduce the image and a voice convertedto the electric signal. Reference numerals 18, 19 and 20 respectivelydesignate a magnetic head for performing the conversion between theelectric signal and a magnetic signal for the record or reproduction, atape, and an audio signal processing circuit for processing the voiceconverted to the electric signal. Reference numeral 21 designates acharacter insertion circuit for inserting a key, characters, etc. intothe screen of a through image (the image of a photographed bodydisplayed in the liquid crystal monitor 4) and a reproduced image.Reference numerals 22 and 23 respectively designate a still camerasignal processing circuit for processing the image converted to theelectric signal, and a buffer memory for temporarily storing the imageconverted to the electric signal. Reference numeral 24 designates arecord-reproduction processing circuit of the memory stick for recordingthe image to the memory stick 7 and storing the image to the buffermemory 23 by the reproduction. Reference numerals 25 and 26 respectivelydesignate a control section for controlling the operation of eachportion, and an operation section such as a key, the picture recordingbutton 10, the photo button 27, etc. on the liquid crystal monitor 4.

[0035] The operation of such a camera integral type VTR will next beexplained.

[0036] When an image is recorded to the tape, the mode change-overswitch 9 is set to the “camera mode”. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, athrough image for projecting a photographed body is displayed in theelectronic view finder 3 and the liquid crystal monitor 4. Accordingly,when the picture recording button 10 is pushed, a dynamic image beginsto be recorded to the tape. When the picture recording button 10 isagain pushed, the recording of the dynamic image is terminated. When astatic image is recorded to the tape, the static image is recorded forabout seven seconds if the photo button 27 is pushed. This will beexplained with reference to FIG. 5. Light passing through the lensportion 2 is converted to an electric signal by the image pickup element15. Thereafter, this electric signal is transmitted to the magnetic head18 through the video camera signal processing circuit 16 and therecord-reproduction processing circuit 17 of the tape. This electricsignal is then converted to a magnetic signal in the magnetic head 18,and is recorded to the tape 19. At this time, a voice is converted to anelectric signal by the microphone 5, and is recorded to the tape 19together with the image through the audio signal processing circuit 20,the record-reproduction processing circuit 17 of the tape, and themagnetic head 18. When the picture recording button 10 is again pushedduring the recording, the recording of the dynamic image is terminated.In the case of the static image, the static image is recorded only firstonce.

[0037] When the dynamic image or the static image recorded to the tapeis next reproduced, the mode change-over switch 9 is set to the “videomode”. At this time, if no memory stick 7 is mounted to the mediuminsertion port 8, the reproducing screen constructed by only keys isdisplayed in the liquid crystal monitor 4 and the electronic view finder3 as shown in FIG. 1A. Accordingly, the image is reproduced by operatingthe tape by contact with each of the keys. Reference numerals 11 a, 11b, 11 c respectively designate a stop key, an unwinding key and areproducing key. Reference numerals 11 d and 11 e respectively designatea rapid traverse key and a function key for displaying keys forselecting a menu and the brightness of a monitor screen.

[0038] On the other hand, when the memory stick 7 is mounted to themedium insertion port 8, the reproducing screen of FIG. 1B is displayedin the liquid crystal monitor 4. The key at the left-hand end is set tothe stop key (11 a) in the display of the screen of FIG. 1A. The dynamicimage or the static image can be reproduced by contact with thereproducing key 11 c as shown in FIG. 1C. However, the key at theleft-hand end is set to the switching key (11 f) for reproduction of thememory stick 7 on the screen of FIG. 1B. Accordingly, one of thereproduction of the tape of FIG. 1C and the reproduction of the memorystick 7 of FIG. 1D can be selected by contact with the reproducing key11 c or the switching key (11 f). Namely, the tape is reproduced bycontact with the reproducing key 11 c as shown in FIG. 1C. The memorystick 7 is reproduced by contact with the switching key (11 f) as shownin FIG. 1D. When it is returned from the reproducing screen of thememory stick 7 of FIG. 1D to the reproducing screen of the tape of FIG.1B, the user comes in contact with the switching key (12 f) of FIG. 1D.Namely, the mutual switching operation can be performed by the switchingkey (11 f) and the switching key (12 f) between the reproducing screenof FIG. 1D for reproducing the memory stick 7 and the reproducing screenof FIG. 1B for reproducing the tape.

[0039] The reproduction of the tape in the “video mode” of FIG. 1C willbe explained on the basis of FIG. 5. The magnetic signals of an imageand a voice recorded to the tape 19 are converted to electric signals bythe magnetic head 18, and are transmitted to the record-reproductionprocessing circuit 17 of the tape. The image is transmitted to theelectronic view finder 3 and the liquid crystal monitor 4 through thecharacter insertion circuit 21, and characters, etc. and the image fromthe character insertion circuit 21 are displayed. In contrast to this,the voice is supplied to an unillustrated headphone, etc. through theaudio signal processing circuit 20 and the audio terminal 14.

[0040] When the image is next recorded to the memory stick 7, the modechange-over switch 9 is set to the “memory mode”. Thus, since the“memory mode” is set and the through screen of FIG. 4A is displayed, adynamic image begins to be recorded to the memory stick 7 when thepicture recording button 10 is pushed. When the picture recording button10 is again pushed, the recording of the dynamic image is terminated.When a static image is recorded to the memory stick 7, the photo button27 is pushed so that the static image is recorded. The recording to thememory stick 7 will be explained on the basis of FIG. 5. The imageconverted to the electric signal by the image pickup element 15 istemporarily stored to the buffer memory 23 through the still camerasignal processing circuit 22, and is recorded to the memory stick 7through the record-reproduction processing circuit 24 of the memorystick.

[0041] When the image recorded to the memory stick is reproduced, themode change-over switch 9 is set to the “memory mode”. Thus, since thethrough screen of FIG. 4A is first displayed in the liquid crystalmonitor 4, the through screen is switched to the reproducing screenshown in FIG. 4B in contact with the key 13. Plural keys are displayedon the reproducing screen of FIG. 4B although these keys are partiallyconformed to the keys displayed on the reproducing screen of FIG. 1D.Reference numerals 12 a, 12 b and (12 c) respectively designate a returnkey for displaying the static image displayed by one before, a feed keyfor displaying the next static image, and a switching key for returningto the through screen of FIG. 4A. (The through screen of FIG. 4A and thereproducing screen of FIG. 4B are alternately switched by pushing theswitching key (13) of FIG. 4A and the switching key (12 c) of FIG. 4B.)Reference numerals 12 d and 12 e respectively designate an index key fordisplaying plural recorded static images as small thumbnail images, anda function key having the same function as the above function key 11 e.

[0042] In addition to this, the above reproducing screen of the memorystick of FIG. 1D can be also displayed by contact with the switching key11 f in a state in which the “video mode” is set and the memory stick 7is mounted as shown in FIG. 1B as mentioned above. The static image isdisplayed when the reproducing screen of FIG. 4B or FIG. 1D isdisplayed. Accordingly, the static image can be sequentially reproducedby contact with the return key 12 a or the feed key 12 b. With respectto the reproduction of the static image, the reproduced image istemporarily stored from the memory stick 7 in FIG. 5 to the buffermemory 23 through the record-reproduction processing circuit 24 of thememory stick, and is transmitted to the electronic view finder 3 and theliquid crystal monitor 4 through the still camera signal processingcircuit 22 and the character insertion circuit 21. Thus, characters,etc. and the image from the character insertion circuit 21 aredisplayed. The explanation of the reproduction of the dynamic imageusing the memory stick is omitted here.

[0043] In addition to this, for example, the image recorded to thememory stick can be also recorded to the tape by displaying a key forrecording the image to another recording medium such as the tape, etc.at the reproducing time of the memory stick in the “memory mode”.Further, the image recorded to the tape can be also reversely recordedto the memory stick by displaying a key for recording the image to thememory stick at the reproducing time of the tape in the “video mode”.

[0044]FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of a portion directly transferring fromthe “video mode” in the present invention to the “reproducing screen ofthe memory stick”. When a user first comes in contact with the leftmostkey of the liquid crystal monitor 4 displayed in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C ina step SP1 and there is no function for directly making the movementfrom the “video mode” to the “reproducing screen of the memory stick” asin the conventional case in a step SP2, there is no change since the keydisplay in a step SP3 is set to the “stop key”. In contrast to this,when there is the function for directly transferring from the “videomode” to the “reproducing screen of the memory stick”, it is detectedwhether the tape is in a stopping state and the memory stick 7 ismounted to the medium insertion port 8 in a step SP4. When at least oneof these necessary conditions is not satisfied, the key display in astep SP5 is set to the stop key (11 a) as it is as shown in FIGS. 1A and1C. In contrast to this, when both the necessary conditions aresatisfied, the switching key (11 f) is displayed in a step SP6 as shownin FIG. 1B. When the user comes in contact with this switching key (11f), the “reproducing screen of the memory stick” is displayed as shownin FIG. 1D, and the memory stick is reproduced.

Industrial Applicability

[0045] As mentioned above, the present invention is usefully used in animage pickup device able to reproduce first and second recording media.In the best mode of the present invention, the first recording medium isthe tape, and the second recording medium is the memory stick. However,CD-ROM, DVD, etc. may be used instead of the tape, and a compact flash,a multimedia card, a memory card, etc. may be also used instead of thememory stick. Otherwise, a using method reverse to this using methodwith respect to the tape and the memory stick may be also used.

[0046] The procedure of the processing shown in FIG. 6 can beconstructed by the program of a computer, and this program can beexecuted by the computer. Further, this program can be also providedthrough a network such as the Internet, electronic mail, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image pickup device wherein a first icon forreproducing a second recording medium is displayed in a condition inwhich no first recording medium is being reproduced and the secondrecording medium is mounted in a reproducing mode of the first recordingmedium.
 2. An image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst icon is displayed by replacing one of icons displayed in thereproducing mode of the first recording medium.
 3. An image pickupdevice according to claim 2, wherein a second icon for returning to thereproducing mode of the first recording medium is displayed on areproducing screen of the second recording medium displayed by operatingsaid first icon.
 4. A using method of an image pickup device wherein thereproducing screen of a second recording medium is displayed byoperating a first icon for reproducing the second recording medium in acondition in which the second recording medium is mounted when no firstrecording medium is being reproduced in a reproducing mode of the firstrecording medium.
 5. A using method of an image pickup device accordingto claim 4, wherein it is returned from the reproducing screen of thesecond recording medium to the reproducing mode of the first recordingmedium by operating a second icon of the reproducing screen of saidsecond recording medium.
 6. A control program of an image pickup devicewherein the control program comprises a step for judging whether or notno first recording medium is being reproduced and a second recordingmedium is mounted, a step for displaying a switching key for reproducingthe second recording medium when no first recording medium is beingreproduced and the second recording medium is mounted, and a step fordisplaying a stop key for stopping the reproduction of the firstrecording medium when the first recording medium is being reproduced orno second recording medium is mounted.
 7. A control program of an imagepickup device according to claim 6, wherein a step for displaying aswitching key for returning to a reproducing mode of the first recordingmedium during the reproduction of said second recording medium isarranged.